Renewed calls for public inquiry as community gathers to mark third anniversary of Creeslough explosion

"Family and friends of the ten Creeslough victims gathered in the village and walked up the main street to the scene of the explosion carrying wreaths ahead of a service to mark the third anniversary of the tragedy. Members of the community stood in silence as they lined the streets outside the boarded up filling station and complex, while family members pinned pictures of their loved ones to the hoarding. Fr John Joe Duffy said prayers and read the names of victims aloud while Reverent David Skuce and Fr Martin Doohan read aloud readings. `"

""We pray for James O'Flaherty, Leona Harper, Jessica Gallagher, Martin McGill, Catherine O'Donnell and her son James Monaghan, Martina Martin, Robert Garwe and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe and Hugh Kelly. "We are remembering the ten people who died this day three years ago and we pray for you their families, their loved ones and all who were dear to them," said Fr Duffy."

"A minute's silence was observed at 3.17pm, the exact time of the explosion as the bells of St Michael's church could be heard in the distance. Donegal Fiddle player, Matt McGranaghan, played 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' as the commemoration drew to a close. Among those showing support for the heartbroken families were gardaí, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan, other members of emergency services, local councillors and clergy members. Ahead of the ceremony, a black plaque baring the poem 'Gone Suddenly' was erected at the site in memory of the ten victims."

Family and friends of the ten Creeslough victims gathered in the village and processed to the explosion site carrying wreaths. Community members stood in silence outside the boarded-up filling station while family pinned pictures of their loved ones to the hoarding. Prayers were led and the victims' names were read aloud. A minute's silence was observed at 3.17pm, the exact time of the explosion, and a fiddle player performed as the commemoration closed. Emergency personnel, local councillors and clergy attended. A plaque bearing the poem 'Gone Suddenly' was erected and renewed calls for a public inquiry were made. A survivor said the explosion has had an everlasting impact on her life.

Read at Irish Independent